BACKGROUND: Despite the synergy between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics, the public health responses have largely been separate. Detection of HIV among TB patients is crucial to the holistic management of HIV-TB co-infected patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of screening all TB patients for HIV through referral to a voluntary counselling and testing centre. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study of 4802 newly diagnosed TB patients between July 2005 and June 2006 was performed in Tamilnadu, India, at six sites. RESULTS: Of 4802 patients invited, 69% were willing to participate in the test. The most significant variables that influenced willingness were sex, age and place of residence (P < 0.01). The other significant variables that influenced willingness to participate were higher education, being employed and being married (P < 0.05). The main reasons for refusal of HIV screening among the patients were 'no risk behaviour' (30%), followed by 'too old' (23%) and for reasons of privacy (12%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that it is feasible to routinely test TB patients for HIV. However it is crucial for health providers to focus on an effective referral process keeping patient concerns in mind. Motivation strategies need to be sex-, age-, education- and residence-specific.
BACKGROUND: Despite the synergy between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics, the public health responses have largely been separate. Detection of HIV among TB patients is crucial to the holistic management of HIV-TB co-infectedpatients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of screening all TB patients for HIV through referral to a voluntary counselling and testing centre. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study of 4802 newly diagnosed TB patients between July 2005 and June 2006 was performed in Tamilnadu, India, at six sites. RESULTS: Of 4802 patients invited, 69% were willing to participate in the test. The most significant variables that influenced willingness were sex, age and place of residence (P < 0.01). The other significant variables that influenced willingness to participate were higher education, being employed and being married (P < 0.05). The main reasons for refusal of HIV screening among the patients were 'no risk behaviour' (30%), followed by 'too old' (23%) and for reasons of privacy (12%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that it is feasible to routinely test TB patients for HIV. However it is crucial for health providers to focus on an effective referral process keeping patient concerns in mind. Motivation strategies need to be sex-, age-, education- and residence-specific.
Authors: Diana S Pope; Andrea N Deluca; Paula Kali; Harry Hausler; Carol Sheard; Ebrahim Hoosain; Mohammad A Chaudhary; David D Celentano; Richard E Chaisson Journal: J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Date: 2008-06-01 Impact factor: 3.731
Authors: Yodi Mahendradhata; Riris Andono Ahmad; Pierre Lefèvre; Marleen Boelaert; Patrick Van der Stuyft Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2008-11-12 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Grace Muzanyi; Y Mulumba; Paul Mubiri; Harriet Mayanja; John L Johnson; Ezekiel Mupere Journal: Afr Health Sci Date: 2019-06 Impact factor: 0.927